Portsmouth F.C. chief executive Andy Cullen has denied that any club has made an approach for manager John Mousinho amid growing speculation linking him with a move to Stoke City F.C..
Mousinho has attracted attention following another solid campaign at Fratton Park, where he has guided Portsmouth through three-and-a-half years of progress despite operating under financial limitations. The 40-year-old was previously linked with the managerial vacancy at Bristol City F.C. before the Robins moved closer to appointing Tommy Elphick from AFC Bournemouth.
Recent reports have now suggested Mousinho is being monitored by Stoke after the Potters endured a disappointing 17th-place finish in the Championship under current boss Mark Robins.
Speaking to The News, Cullen insisted there has been no contact from any club regarding either Mousinho or sporting director Rich Hughes.
He said: “We’ve had no contact from any football club this year. The situation is exactly the same: no change. We’re all aligned and looking at how we continue progressing after consolidating ourselves in the Championship for a third season.
“A successful head coach, like a successful player, will naturally attract speculation and interest. But there’s nothing more to report and there have been no approaches for our manager or sporting director.”
Cullen also dismissed recent rumours linking Mousinho with Bristol City, adding that the pair had spent much of the week together discussing recruitment plans ahead of the summer transfer window.
Meanwhile, Stoke continue to review their football structure following a difficult season. The club recently appointed Stuart Harvey as technical director, while Damian Roden has returned as head of performance and Jack Higgins is set to arrive as academy director.
Despite the speculation, Robins remains determined to lead Stoke’s rebuild after becoming the first manager since 2022 to complete a full season at the club. The former Coventry City F.C. boss has acknowledged supporters’ frustrations but insists he is committed to restoring stability and pushing the club forward.
